Self-driven cable transportation system for persons used for the (aerial) panoramic observation of the environment

ABSTRACT

The self-driven cable transportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramic observation of the environment comprises: A cable suspended over the ground held and tensed by brackets fixed to any natural element available like trees, rocks, etc., or to any type of artificial element, like poles towers, constructions, etc., along this line vehicles driven by the a user&#39;s feet run in a safe and comfortable manner to observe the environment without having to stop at the cable&#39;s anchoring points. The user has full control of the vehicle&#39;s speed, being able to accelerate, break and stop at will, having at all times both hands free. This system may be installed and used on any type of ground with recreation and/or scientific observation purposes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Mexican Patent Application Nos.MX/a/2007/002349 and MX/E/2007/013901, filed on Feb. 27, 2007 with theMexican Institute of Intellectual Property, the disclosure of which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technical field of the invention is that of vehicles, devices,structures and installations used for the transportation of persons bycable that are self-driven and may serve to observe the scenery(environment) in a (aerial) panoramic way with recreation and/orscientific purposes.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are different ways to make aerial panoramic observations of theenvironment with recreation and/or scientific purposes, however, most ofthese require very costly and sophisticated mechanical equipment, i.e.,Airplanes, helicopters, cableways, lift-cars, etc., and the interventionof highly trained third parties who are dedicated to operate the saidequipment, so that their use is limited to a few persons.

There are different cable transportation systems for people, however thegreat majority are not self-driven and require special rails or lanes sothat the cost of installation, maintenance and operation, increases.

There are other cheaper ways like the use of cables set at an angle sothere is a level difference between the starting and ending points,through which the user slides using his own weight and gravity as thedriving force. The user hangs from the cable through a pulley to whichhe is attached using straps, hooks and a harness; these methods areinconvenient as they can only be used one way (downwards), there is noreal control of the speed, nor is it possible to stop to make detailedobservations. In addition, the user must stop at the points of cableanchorage which must be fitted with a platform, remove his weight fromthe cable, separate himself from the pulley and/or cable to re-attachagain to the same after the anchorage in order to be able to continue inhis descending tour.

In some cases, the same system is used in level stretches wherein theuser pulls himself along the cable with his arms, which is not verypractical as he is using the same to provide the driving force insteadof having his arms ready to observe the environment with binoculars,take notes or pictures, in addition to the quick tiredness of the armsof any users, so the level stretch must be very short.

The problem to overcome is: How to attain a cable transportation devicefor persons that allows for the aerial panoramic observation over anytype of terrain, that is easy and cheap to build and maintain, and whichwill allow, in addition, any person with no prior training orspecialized equipment to use it?

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. General view of the self-driven cable transportation system forpersons used for the aerial panoramic observation of the environment.

FIG. 2. Detailed view of the vehicle of the self-driven cabletransportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment.

FIG. 3. Detail view of the safety mechanism and the grooved wheels ofthe self-driven cable transportation vehicle system for persons used forthe aerial panoramic observation of the environment.

FIG. 4. Detail view of the mechanism to mount the self-driven cabletransportation vehicle system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment.

FIG. 5. Front perspective view of the side-support bracket.

FIG. 6. Front perspective view of the opposed support bracket.

FIG. 7. Detail of (A) showing the tab coupling flange for the cable usedin the brackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The self-driven cable transportation system for persons used for theaerial panoramic observation of the environment described herein, willallow for the economic installation and operation of suspended cablethrough rough terrain like mountains, jungles, ravines, rivers, forests,etc., with which a great number of people will be able to makeobservations, investigation and pictures of the environment from anaerial panoramic perspective in a safe and comfortable manner, withoutrequiring any prior training and/or the use of costly mechanizedequipment.

The system is essentially a cable suspended over the ground usingspecial brackets through which vehicles driven by the a user's feet run,through the use of these vehicles the user moves about in a safe andcomfortable manner through the line in order to observe the environmentand transport himself from one place to the other of the line withouthaving to stop at the cable's anchoring points.

The user has full control of the vehicle's speed, being able toaccelerate, break and stop at will, having at all times both hands freeto be able to take notes, snapshots, etc.

The self-driven cable transportation system for persons used for theaerial panoramic observation of the environment is made up by a cable(1), which allows the user to transport himself through any type ofground over which the same is suspended. The journey, extension, levelgradient and the way of setting the route will vary according to thedesign of its path and the different variables of the ground over whichit will be installed. The route is made up mainly of a cable, preferablyof steel, which is run along the route of the desired path usingbrackets which support and provide the tension. Two types of bracketshave been used: the side-support bracket (2) and the opposed-supportbracket (3), which are fixed to any natural element available liketrees, rocks, etc., or if necessary, to any type of artificial element,like poles, towers, constructions, etc.. These brackets allow thesystem's vehicle (4) to run freely along the route without need forstopping or making transfers in the places of the cable anchoring (FIG.1).

The cable (1), once installed over the ground using the brackets (2, 3)may be used by several vehicles (4) at the same time, having to limittheir number according to the resistance of the natural or artificialelements to which the brackets have been fixed and with the resistancespecifications of the materials used in the construction of same.

The vehicle (4) in which the user travels driving it with his legs andfeet along the cable, has among its main elements: A frame made of arigid material like welded metal (5) with a hook-shaped arm of the top(20) made of the same material; a seat with backrest (6), wherein theuser may sit comfortably and recline his back. This seat may be adjustedby sliding horizontally and vertically within the frame of the vehiclein order to fit the sizes of the different users. This seat has safetystraps which fasten the user to the vehicle avoiding accidental falls; Atop (roof) (7), designed to protect the user against possible impacts,from the rain and the sun, in addition to forming a barrier to avoidaccidental contact of his head or hands with the cable and the groovedblocks (13). This top may have different shapes and be made of differentmaterials; Two grip bars, a lower one (8) placed at the seat, and ahigher one (9) fixed to the frame, which the user may take momentarilyto stabilize or break if he so desires, without this being necessary forthe operation of the vehicle; A traction mechanism (11) with pedals,sprockets, chain and the grooved wheels, driven by the user's legs andfeet, which provides the drive force that moves the vehicle through thecable route, the pedals may have elements allowing them to be fixed tothe user's feet, and a braking system installed at the grooved wheels(13) which its actuated by a handle (10) located on the higher handgrip(FIG. 2).

The vehicle (4) hangs from the cable line through a hook-shaped arm(20), where the grooved wheels (13) and the hanging mechanisms are (14);these elements, along with the vehicle frame (5) form a safety system tokeep the same from being removed from the cable line while in use.However, this versatile safety system allows the vehicle to be easilyremoved from the cable whenever the user is not in the same. In order toremove it, it is necessary to take the vehicle, lift it and maintain itparallel to the cable (1) push it to the front a few centimeters, withwhich the vehicle will be released from the cable. This is possiblebecause it has an open side (12) and precise distances in relation tothe grooved blocks (13), to the hanging system (14) and to the vehicle'sframe (5); this mechanism allows the vehicle to run freely through thebrackets, but in case of jumping out of the grooves, the angle createdby the vehicle with respect to the cable (1) is sufficient for thevehicle assisted by gravity to seize or lock to the cable (FIG. 3).

The vehicle displaces through the cable by means of two grooved wheels(13) with a rolling surface lined in rubber. One of them is idle, whilethe other provides the traction using a chain and sprockets mechanismdriven by the user's feet (11).

The vehicle has a mechanism to hang properly from the cable, comprisinga set of “V” shaped guides (14), which align the grooved wheels of thevehicle (13) with the cable (1) in case of incorrect alignment orjumping out of track, this mechanism is found at the bottom and at eachside of the grooved wheels. This mechanism forms a “V” which allows thevehicle to keep the optimal alignment with the cable without usingmoving parts. This mechanism is also designed to allow the free passageof the vehicle through the brackets (FIG. 4).

The “L” shaped brackets, supporting and providing tension to the cableroute (1), are made of a rigid material which is strong enough tosupport the weight of the cable and of the vehicles like for example,welded metal. The brackets, at their lower open side have a ledge with atab coupling flange (15) to support the cable (1).

Brackets are fixed by means of two cables to any type of natural elementavailable like trees, rocks, etc., or if necessary, to any type ofartificial element, such as poles, towers, constructions, etc. thesystem uses two different types of brackets, chosen depending on thedirection in which the cable route (1) is to be laid-out.

The bracket with side support (2) is connected to the tensor cable (16)and to the positioning cable (17) in its closed side, that is, on theouter part of the long side of the “L”, which allows pulling the cableroute (1) toward the closed side of the bracket, making the cable routeturn in that direction. This is achieved by pulling the lateral tensorcable (16). Once the said cable has been fixed, the positioning cable(17) allows adjustment of the bracket so that it stays straight, thusallowing passage of the vehicle (FIG. 5).

The opposed support bracket (3) is connected to the opposed tensor cable(18) at the open side or internal part of the long side of the “L”, andthe positioning cable (17) is connected to its closed side, that is,that the external part of the long side of the “L”, which allows pullingthe cable line (1) toward the open side of the bracket, and making thecable route turn in that direction. This is achieved by pulling theopposed tensor cable (18). Once the said cable is fixed, the positioningcable (17) allows adjusting the bracket so that it remains straight,thus allowing passage of the vehicle (FIG. 6).

At their open side, brackets have a ledge with a tab coupling flangeallowing them to support the cable (1). This coupling flange surroundsthe cable and fixes it to the bracket with screws (19). This tabcoupling flange allows for the brackets to be installed and removed fromthe cable easily and quickly, making it possible to maintain and repairthe cable route in an efficient and economic manner (FIG. 7).

The brackets, the safety mechanism, and the mechanism for proper hangingare designed in such a way that they allow the vehicle to displacesafely and continuously along the cable. The brackets support the cableon the side allowing the vehicle to pass. The mechanism to ensure properhanging passes above the bracket, while the vehicle frame passes belowthe same (FIG. 4).

From the aforesaid, it can be affirmed that the features of theself-driven cable transportation system for persons used for the aerialpanoramic observation of the environment, are unique and exclusive ofsame, as these have not been achieved by any other similar existingartifact.

1. A self-driven cable transportation system for persons used for theaerial panoramic observation of the environment, said self-driven cabletransportation system comprising: a cable route having a cable, whereinsaid cable is suspended over the ground and is supported and tensed byone or more brackets fixed to available natural or artificial elements;and a vehicle driven by a user's legs and feet, wherein said vehicleruns along said cable and wherein said vehicle can displace in a safeand comfortable manner along said route without having to stop at saidone or more brackets.
 2. The self-driven cable transportation system forpersons used for the aerial panoramic observation of the environment ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more brackets support and tense said cable(1) sideways and are each fixed through a second cable and a third cableto said available natural or artificial elements.
 3. The self-drivencable transportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment of claim 1, wherein said available orartificial elements are selected from the group consisting of trees,rocks, poles, or tower constructions.
 4. The self-driven cabletransportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidone or more brackets comprise an L-shaped bracket having a lower partfor attachment to said cable and an upper part for fixing to saidavailable natural or artificial elements, and wherein said upper parthas an outer side and an inner side.
 5. The self-driven cabletransportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidone or more brackets comprise a lower part having a ledge with a tabcoupling flange (15) to support said cable (1), wherein said couplingflange surrounds said cable and fastens to said cable with one or morescrews.
 6. The self-driven cable transportation system for persons usedfor the aerial panoramic observation of the environment of claim 1,wherein at least one of said one or more brackets comprise an upper partconnected to a tensor cable (16) and a positioning cable (17) on anouter side of said upper part.
 7. The self-driven cable transportationsystem for persons used for the aerial panoramic observation of theenvironment of claim 1, wherein at least one of said one or morebrackets comprise an upper part connected to an opposed tensor cable(16) on an inner side of said upper part and a positioning cable (17) onan outer side of said upper part.
 8. A vehicle for a self-driven cabletransportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment, said vehicle comprising: a framecomprising a rigid material (5), said frame having a hook-shaped arm(20) at a top of said frame; a seat with a backrest (6), wherein saidseat has safety straps which fasten a user to said vehicle; a lower pairof grip bars (8) fixed to said seat; an upper pair of grip bars (9)placed on said frame; a drive mechanism (11) having two pedals, one ormore chains, one or more sprockets, and one or more grooved wheels,wherein said drive mechanism is driven by said user's feet; and abraking system installed at said one or more grooved wheels, whereinsaid braking system is actuated by a lever (10) located on said upperpair of grip bars.
 9. The vehicle for a self-driven cable transportationsystem for persons used for the aerial panoramic observation of theenvironment of claim 8, wherein said vehicle (4) hangs from a cable bysaid hook-shaped arm (20), and wherein said one or more grooved wheels(13) and a mechanism for proper hanging are fixed to said hook-shapedarm.
 10. The vehicle for a self-driven cable transportation system forpersons used for the aerial panoramic observation of the environment ofclaim 9, wherein said hook-shaped arm, said one or more grooved wheels,said mechanism for proper hanging and said frame form a safety systemwhich prevents said vehicle from being removed from said cable whilesaid vehicle is in use.
 11. The vehicle for a self-driven cabletransportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment of claim 9, wherein said hook-shaped arm,said one or more grooved wheels, said mechanism for proper hanging andsaid frame form a safety system which allows said vehicle to be removedfrom said cable when said vehicle is not in use.
 12. The vehicle for aself-driven cable transportation system for persons used for the aerialpanoramic observation of the environment of claim 9, wherein saidhook-shaped arm, said one or more grooved wheels, said mechanism forproper hanging and said frame form a safety system which allows saidvehicle to freely run through a support bracket connected to said cable.13. The vehicle for a self-driven cable transportation system forpersons used for the aerial panoramic observation of the environment ofclaim 9, wherein said hook-shaped arm, said one or more grooved wheels,said mechanism for proper hanging and said frame form a safety systemsuch that when said vehicle derails from said cable, an angle created bysaid vehicle with respect to said cable is sufficient for said vehicleto seize to or get stuck with said cable.
 14. The vehicle for aself-driven cable transportation system for persons used for the aerialpanoramic observation of the environment of claim 8, wherein saidvehicle has a mechanism for proper hanging from a cable comprising a setof “V”-shaped guides (14) which align said one or more grooved wheels(13) of said vehicle onto said cable (1).
 15. The vehicle for aself-driven cable transportation system for persons used for the aerialpanoramic observation of the environment of claim 14, wherein said“V”-shaped guides (14) each comprise tapered guides located on each sideof said one or more grooved wheels.
 16. The vehicle for a self-drivencable transportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment of claim 8, wherein said vehicle hangsfrom a cable on two grooved wheels, wherein each grooved wheel has arubber-lined rolling surface, and wherein the first of said two groovedwheels rotates idly, and wherein the second of said two grooved wheelsprovides traction for motion along said cable and is driven by saiddrive mechanism (11).
 17. The vehicle for a self-driven cabletransportation system for persons used for the aerial panoramicobservation of the environment of claim 8 further comprising a mechanismfor adjusting said seat horizontally, vertically, or both horizontallyand vertically within said frame to fit the size of said user.
 18. Thevehicle for a self-driven cable transportation system for persons usedfor the aerial panoramic observation of the environment of claim 8further comprising a protective top (7).
 19. The vehicle for aself-driven cable transportation system for persons used for the aerialpanoramic observation of the environment of claim 18, wherein saidprotective top has any geometrical shape and is comprised of anymaterial.
 20. The vehicle for a self-driven cable transportation systemfor persons used for the aerial panoramic observation of the environmentof claim 8, wherein said pedals have elements allowing said pedals to befixed to said user's feet.